Striking the balance: Preserving specialisation, international relations amidst rationalisation of govt agencies

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OPINION

By Maurice Mukiibi

In the intricate landscape of governance, the pursuit of efficiency often collides with the imperative of specialisation, especially in agencies bound by international commitments.

Uganda’s ongoing efforts to rationalise government bodies raise pertinent questions about navigating this delicate balance, particularly concerning entities like the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA). UNMA stands as a prime example of an agency straddling both national imperatives and global obligations. Its transformation into a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA) reflects not just a local trend, but a global paradigm shift in meteorological services.

With meteorology falling under the stewardship of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the evolution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) into semi-autonomous entities is becoming increasingly common. This transformation aims at enhancing services for disaster risk reduction, socioeconomic development, environmental protection and climate change resilience. Uganda’s membership in the WMO necessitated compliance, leading to the birth of UNMA.

The letter penned by Professor Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation, to Sam Cheptoris, Uganda’s Minister of Water and Environment, dated September 30, 2021, regarding the preservation of the Uganda National Meteorological Authority as an autonomous entity, unmistakably underscores its pivotal importance.

On the continental front, Uganda’s participation in the African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET) binds it to resolutions advocating for the semi-autonomous status of NMHSs. Similarly, regional integration efforts, such as the East African Treaty of 1999, underscore the need for harmonised policies in meteorological services. Uganda’s leadership in transitioning its meteorological department into UNMA sets an example for other East African Community (EAC) member states.

These commitments, enshrined in international agreements and treaties like the WMO Convention, Chicago Convention, AMCOMET, and the East African Treaty, underscore the importance of semi-autonomous NMHSs.

Despite the intangible monetary value of UNMA’s services as a public good, their significance cannot be overstated.

Accords endorsed by esteemed Ugandan leaders, including Rt. Hon Kirunda Kivejinja (now deceased), Hon Gen. Katumba Wamala, and Hon Musa Echweru, highlight the country’s unwavering commitment to specialised governance. However, amidst Uganda’s quest for administrative efficiency, crucial questions emerge regarding the fate of agencies like UNMA. Recent parliamentary deliberations have spotlighted the dilemma between integration and autonomy, particularly in entities with specialised functions.

UNMA’s indispensable role in weather monitoring and climate-related challenges underscores the stakes involved.

As the world grapples with escalating climate crises, the need for accurate forecasting and timely interventions becomes paramount. UNMA’s specialised expertise and unique mandate position it as a linchpin in safeguarding lives, informing agriculture and shaping policy-making. The debate over UNMA’s status encapsulates broader tensions between integration and autonomy.

While integration proponents advocate for streamlined resource allocation, autonomy advocates stress the importance of preserving specialised functions and fostering innovation. Investing in UNMA’s capabilities not only boosts Uganda’s resilience to climate change, but also cements its leadership on the global stage. Moreover, it addresses the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, aligning with broader equity and justice imperatives.

It is crucial to strike a delicate balance between rationalisation and specialisation. Sacrificing long-term effectiveness for short-term efficiency risks undermining Uganda’s capacity to address urgent challenges such as climate change.

Instead, investing in agencies like UNMA sets the stage for a future where governance structures are agile, forward-thinking and aligned with international obligations. Let us not settle for merely fulfilling commitments; but let us aim for excellence in governance, resilience in adversity and global leadership. By securing autonomy for vital agencies like UNMA, we enhance our capacity to combat climate change, support agriculture and strengthen disaster preparedness and response efforts.

The writer is a communication and engagement specialist